Hip Hop Awards ‘20: 6 Times The OGs Showed Up And Showed Out
The veterans of hip hop have paved the way for many of the artists we see today. They gave music their blood, sweat and tears so that hip hop could be the culturally-dominant genre it is in 2020.
Since its inception, a big part of the BET Hip Hop Awards has been recognizing and honoring the contributions of those who took hip hop to the top — a tradition that hasn’t stopped.
As the stage to some of music’s most unforgettable moments in recent years, from Jay-Z to Snoop Dogg, we’re taking a look back at six performances where the OGs showed up and showed out.
The West Coast Cypher
In 2012, West Coast Cypher rocked the BET Hip Hop Awards. No amount of anticipation could have prepared viewers for the lyrical throwdown that included Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, Kurupt, and E-40. It’s also a fun throwback for longtime fans of Kendrick Lamar and YG, who were newcomers at the time.
When T.I. Reminded Us Why He Reigns As One Of The Trap Lords Of The South
T.I. kicked off the 2008 Hip Hop Awards with a bang. The revered Atlanta rapper came out to his Paper Trails classic, “What’s Up, What's Happening” before he launched into a medley of some of his biggest hits with appearances from Ludacris and B.O.B. In an iconic moment, hip-hop legend Rakim briefly blessed the stage as Luda performed "The Last of a Dying Breed.” A decade later, T.I. proved why he still reigns as one of the trap lords of the south at the 2018 Hip Hop Awards. He performed two tracks, “Wraith and Jefe” off his album, Dime Trap.
That Rare Jay-Z Appearance
A Jay-Z appearance at an award show is rare these days but there's no shortage of legendary moments he has delivered over the years. At the 2009 Hip Hop Awards, Hov had the crowd going wild when he joined Atlanta trapateer Jeezy on-stage to perform their collaborative single, “Real As It Gets” from his critically-acclaimed album, The Blueprint 3.
When DMX Surprised Everyone With A Medley Of His Biggest Hits
In 2011, DMX, whose appearance wasn’t even advertised, hit the stage with Swizz Beatz following his release from jail. Introducing himself with his signature growl, the Yonkers rap legend launched into a high-energy medley of his classic hits, including “Get at Me Dog,” “Ruff Ryders Anthem” and “Party Up.”
Heavy D’s Final Performance
The evening of the 2011 Hip Hop Awards gave a second surprise -- a performance from the legendary Heavy D. Following the release of his first album in years, Love Opus, Heavy D performed a medley of his classic hits such as “Is It Good To You.” Unfortunately, this would turn out to be Heavy D's last performance as the hip hop great sadly passed away at the age of 44 on November 8.
Bone Thugs N Harmony’s Medley Of Their Classics
At the 2013 Hip Hop Awards, Flesh-n-Bone, Bizzy Bone, Krayzie Bone, and Wish Bone took to the stage where they treated everyone to a throwback medley of their hits. They brought the audience to their feet as they performed “Thuggish Ruggish Bone”, “1st Of The Month” and “Crossroads.”
The 2020 Hip Hop Awards will air on BET October 27 at 8/9c.
